MONROE - A township teen who lost his heroic battle against cancer will be laid to rest today.

Om Parikh, 13, died peacefully Wednesday surrounded by his family, according to his obituary. Services and rituals are scheduled for The Holy Cross Burial Park Crematory Friday afternoon.

Om was diagnosed with brain cancer in April 2015, said his father, Ketul Parikh. He underwent surgeries and intense chemotherapy. His one dying wish was to meet YouTube sensation Roman Atwood.

In November, his dream became a reality when Atwood, along team members Brittney Smith, Country and Chase Gilroy, made a surprise visit to the terminally ill teen's home, where they spent several hours visiting with Om and his family.

Because of his illness, Om was home for about 2½ years and spending more time on the iPad than his father and mother, Krupa, would have liked, but his family noticed a positive change in Om that they attributed to Atwood's inspiring videos.

Om Parikh of Monroe on his 13th birthday.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Parikh family)

Atwood's visit was arranged by the Holmdel-based nonprofit The Frances Foundation for Kids Fighting Cancer.

In a text sent to Robert Heugle, founder, president and executive director of the foundation, Atwood wrote: "Please pass our love to Om’s family. We were blessed to have met him."

In a statement, Heugle said: "The Frances Foundation was truly privileged to help bring a little special joy and happiness to Om and his family. As sad and as tragic as Om’s passing is, Om exemplified bravery, courage, and amazing character and resilience in the face of a tough fight against a monster. Om and pediatric cancer warriors inspire us to live better lives (love more, love better) and there can be no greater legacies for our angel Om and pediatric cancer angels. God Bless Om."

"He never complained," Ketul said. "He was a real hero. He made us all better people."

Ketul said "the reason he was different from others is that he never saw himself as a patient or weaker or someone who was unlucky."

"He always saw himself as he got a tumor and I got to fight it," Ketul said, adding that he hopes his son's story will inspire others.

The community is rallying around the family and an outpouring of sympathy and support for Om and his family has been posted on social media.

In a Facebook post, one person wrote: "As a father of a 2 year and 9 month baby boy, the thought of this… what the family is going through… I can’t even imagine the pain and sorrow. My sincere condolences to the family. I am so sorry for your loss!"

And another wrote: "My heart goes out to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. Heaven has gain an angel. Rest easy Om."

"So sorry i want say i did not know Om but he was in 6 grades with my grand Daughter he was a true Hero fighting pain going for treatments i can only say his family must be so proud of him and so am i even though we never met god Bless the family and rest in peace 0m every one loves you and rest in peace your are all of Monroe's Hero," another post read.

In a post on the Monroe Township School District Facebook page, Superintendent of Schools Michael Kozak wrote: "It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of one of our eighth grade students, Om Parikh. Om had bravely dealt with cancer the past few years and he demonstrated courage and resilience throughout middle school while dealing with cancer treatments. Our thoughts and prayers are with Om’s sister, parents and his extended family."

Ketul thanked the community for their outpouring of love and support for his son and his family.

"We are so humbled," he said.

Ketul said the Monroe Township Police Department will be providing a police escort to the cemetery with a drive by township schools.

Funeral arrangements are under Ruby Memorial of Hightstown.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be sent to The Frances Foundation for Fighting Cancer, 8 Bryce Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733 or at francesfoundation.net.